Mah Jongg is not just a game. It has become a part of my life that allows me to entertain my Mah Jongg-playing friends, cook great meals to serve to them and test my mental skills during our game play (which, hopefully, is often).

Yesterday was Mah Jongg Wednesday for the OMs. It was a wonderful day as not only did we play our favorite game but we also celebrated K’s upcoming birthday. S1 brought Prosecco for the celebration, which we had with dessert – complete with birthday candle for K. And we had a surprise as well – Jim showed up in between his client visits and walked in just in time to join us for lunch. D showed up a few moments later so it was a full house with lots of good friends. The only down side was that J and X were missing – J being in Europe and X being in the country.

Today is Mah Jongg Wednesday for the OMs and it is my turn to host. I have a fun menu – Gazpacho, Steak Salad with Horseradish Dressing and Pickled Red Onions, and Triple Berry Pavlova for dessert – and we are going to celebrate K’s upcoming birthday. I know she loves gazpacho and so I made a huge batch of it yesterday (but forgot to take pictures while I was making it – and you should have seen my kitchen – chopped vegetables and the juice of the fresh tomatoes everywhere!). I like a chunky style gazpacho but you could use an immersion blender to make it really smooth if you prefer it that way.

I received a message from Suzie from the 4 Winds MahJongg League. She chimed in on the NMJL’s controversial ruling:

It has always been my understanding that the next person in line gets the tile, EXCEPT……..if the other person is calling the tile for Mahjongg. Then they are entitled to that tile. I teach it that way and we play it that way. I would recommend that you not be so quick to expose your tiles…once exposed and if you are incorrect as in this case, not being entitled to the tile….you are “dead” and out of the game….

Certainly a good idea to not be so quick to expose your tiles – not only to prevent being incorrect but also to play politely and in the friendly manner we all strive to attain. It’s a game!

Let’s remember…this is just a game and no matter what, we must have fun while we play.

Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. This special day is not the only time we should remember them but the holiday underscores the importance of having a time to revere and respect people who are sacred to our country.

So many of them left home for hostile places and laid down their lives.

These heroes are now buried across America. Take a moment and visit the grave of someone who died representing our country.

When you go take a few moments and give thanks for that person.

We enjoy so much freedom, opportunity and protection, it is often taken for granted. Make time this weekend to reflect on those who sacrificed so much for us.

Another way we can celebrate Memorial Day is to celebrate our serving soldiers and living veterans. We should give thanks for all serving in our military, honor and pray for them. We should also stand by our veterans.

There are a lot of things Americans do on Memorial Day weekend. We travel, grill out, go to the mall or gather with family. All of these are good. However, do at least one thing this Memorial Day weekend and that is remember, and give thanks for the soldiers who have made the travel, grilling out and family outings possible.